Question:
Three weeks of Menstruation...need to go to doc?

Before WLS i almost never had my period. Maybe once every four or five months. About three months after surgery i started having a regular menstrual cycle again. Then this month, seven months after WLS, i cant seem to stop bleeding. I had my period, and then sort of spotted for a week and this for the past week it was full flow again. That is three weeks of bleeding. I am starting to feel quite tired. There isnt any pain, just minor discomfort like i always have with my period. (abdominal cramps). What could be the cause? Is this dangerous?    — Julie I. (posted on March 3, 2003)

March 3, 2003
I'm not sure if it's dangerous, but it wouldn't hurt to check with your doc. I know i was never "normal" woth my periods, but ever since WLS, they are all messed up! I went 2 months w/o getting one, then after I got it, I had it again 2 weeks later. Our hormones are all out of whack, so I'm sure this is the cause for you to have it for 3 weeks, but like I said- doesn't hurt to check. Goodluck!
   — Lezlie Y.

March 3, 2003
hi there :) itss safest to have anything checked out by the doc that has you feeling concerned. for me, i have pcos so preop it wasnt uncommon for me to go months maybe even years without a cycle. sometime before surgery, they did return, reason unknown. i had my cycle right before surgery and then again right after, with that one i bled for 3 weeks. im usually very regular now but it was really wacky very new post op and even still, from time to time, i either spot or get it two weeks too soon, best of luck to you. :)
   — carrie M.

March 3, 2003
I think I'd call the gynacologist or PCP or whom ever does your paps and maybe they can give you something to slow you down or stop you. Also with all of the bleeding you are depleting your iron levels, so get your iron level checked, you may need to be on a iron Rx from your doc.
   — wizz46

March 4, 2003
I'd suggest seeing your PCP to have your blood levels checked, being tired you may need to supplement your iron. For years now I'm into the almost never having a period thing, but when I was younger I'd have my period for months and months - yes a real period that would last at least 3 months & often many more. Luckily, I never had trouble with my blood levels. It was just "normal" for me at the time. At least thats what the family doctor would tell me. Since its new though, I'd definitely check into it.
   — Shelly S.

March 4, 2003
Have you ever heard of PCOS( poly cystic ovarian syndrome) This condition is related to weight, hormones and insulin levels in your blood. (there is a whole list of symptoms and heath issues related out there) Many women who are over weight with irregular periods have this syndrome, It is common to miss many, many months just to turn around and have a period for several weeks to several months. This condition is aggravated/ stimulated with weight gain and weight loss as well as changes in nutrition. You should see a gyno who is familiar with this condition( not all are) in case it applies to you. A doctor can prescribe a short dose of progesterone to help balance the hormone levels and stop the bleeding. It is always best to keep your bodys cycle as regular as possible to maintain good health. ( that means actually having periods for those of you who ,like myself, prefer not to) You can find more info on PCOS at the web site pcosupport.org
   — dianekoch